Cigarette package



y 1940- LJWILSON k 2,202,281

CIGARETTE PACKAGE Filed May 11, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 y 28, 1940- c. WILSON 2,202,281

CIGARETTE PACKAGE Filed May 11, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 F 4 [a /9 i l /5 2 ,L ,5-

80) -13 20 J LL L I l 1 W4 l4 l2 l2 C. L. WILSON CIGARETTE PACKAGE May 28, 1940-.

Filed May 11, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May 28, 1940 f PATENT OFFICE crcmn'r'rc menses Carroll L. Wilson, Brookline, Mass., assignor to Electra Corporation, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application May 11, 1938, Serial No. 207,214

13 Claims.

This invention relates to packages, and with regard to certain more specific features, to packages of cigarettes.

This application is in part a continuation of my copending application Serial No. 67,611, filed March 7, 1936, and entitled Cigarette package. Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a package including as an element thereof a captive closure device which is adapted to be opened for the removal of articles within the package, and closed thereafter; a cigarette package of the class described, including a captive closure means, which is formed of cheap material whereby it can be discarded without substantial waste when the package is emptied; the provision, in a package of cigarettes of the class described, of a captive closure member, which, when opened, permits the withdrawal of cigarettes in perfect condition, and which, when closed, retains the cigarette in perfect condition within the package; the provision of a cigarette package of the class described which is substantialy rigid, whereby the contained cigarettes are not likely to be deformed while the package of the type described which does not involve substantial changes in manufacturing procedure over the packages in general use at this time, and hence requires no substantial deviation from the present routine for the packaging of cigarettes; the provision of a cigarette package of the class described, including a captive closure element, wherein the captive closure element is so disposed and constructed that it may readily be opened by the user, ordinarily with a single hand; the provision of a cigarette package of the class described wherein means are provided for maintaining the package in a moisture-proof, sealed condition prior to its original opening, and substantially so after its original opening; the provision of a cigarette package of the class described which, when opened for the withdrawal of cigarettes, is provided with notches or removed portions which permit of easy grasping and removal of the cigarettes, particularly the first few cigarettesjrom a full package; and the provision of a cigarette package of the class described which is relatively simple and economical in construction and operation. Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter package is in use; the provision of a cigarette described, and the scopeof the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which are illustrated several of various possible embodiments of the invention:

Fig, 1 is a perspective view of a cigarette package embodying the present invention, in condition for sale;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the package of Fig. 1, opened and ready for the withdrawal of a cigarette therefrom;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the package of Fig. 2, with a closure element in closed position;

Fig. 4 is a development of an element forming part of the package of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the element of Fig. 4 as folded up ready for use;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the package of Fig. 1, in an inverted position;

' Fig. '7 is a perspective view of a package embodying an alternative form of closure element embodying the present invention;

Figs. 8 and 9 are developments of the two parts of the reinforcing and closure assembly of the package of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view similar to Fig. '7, of still another embodiment;

Figs. 11 and 12 are developments of the two parts of the reinforcing and closure assembly of the package of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a development of a still further alternative closurev element; and,

Fig, 14 is a diagrammatic vertical section of a package using the closure element of Fig. 13.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

While the present invention finds application to packages for articles or goods of all descriptions, it finds a peculiar application to the packaging of cigarettes. It will accordingly be so described, although it is to be understood that the cigarettes are merely exemplary of the many classes of goods that can be packaged according to the present invention.

The cigarette, on account of its peculiar size and shape and construction, presents an unusual packaging problem. customarily, a group of twenty cigarettes, each of which is approximately 2% long by A," in diameter, are compressed 50 into a bundle approximately 2% high by 2" long by '7 wide. This bundle is then wrapped by first enclosing it in a piece of paper-backed metal foil, with the, paper side in contact with the cigarette. Outside of this wrapping is posi- 55 tioned a paper label, which is usually folded in' and sealed at the bottom of the package. Across the top of the package is positioned the internal revenue stamp. The entire package is then wrapped in a covering of Cellophane or similar so-called moisture-proof, transparent covering material.

Under certain circumstances, the Cellophane wrapping is dispensed with, and the paper label wrapper is folded and sealed across thetop as well as the bottom of the package.

Either of the types of packaging just described will hereinafter be referred to as "the usual type of cigarette package.

Because of their peculiar shape and structure, cigarettes are generally withdrawn from their package through one end of the package, which is usually one end of the top of the package. Ordinarily, the user opens the package in the following manner: The user first tears open the top of the Cellophane covering, at least to the extent of exposing one end of the top of the package. Sometimes the entire Cellophane wrapper is discarded; at other times the Cellophane is retained in position intact, with the exception of the torn corner. After thus opening the Cellophane wrapper, the user then tears away the paper-back foil, or the paper label, at one side of the revenue stamp at the top of the package, thus leaving a relatively small opening through which cigarettes can be withdrawn.

This manner of opening the usual type of cigarette package will hereinafter be referred toas the usual manner of opening a cigarette package.

The usual manner of opening the usual package of cigarettes leaves an open hole at the top of the package. Through this hole there are discharged objectionable shreds of tobacco and the like into the pocket or pocketbook of the user. Further, extraneous matter frequently enters the package through the hole and-soils or damages the remaining cigarettes in the package. Furthermore, with the customary opening only on the top of the cigarette package, it is difficult to remove the first few cigarettes from the package without tearing or otherwise damaging either those cigarettes or the cigarettes remaining in the package. Furthermore, the usual type of package is not sufiiciently rigid .to keep cigarettes therein from being crushed or bent, particularly when the package is partially empty.

Various devices have heretofore been proposed which attempt to provide a lid or cover for the usualtype of cigarette package, which lid or cover can be closed after one or more cigarettes have been withdrawn, and which lid or cover, in

addition, protects the non-rigid cigarette package from deformation. Most of these devices, however, have constituted extraneous appliances for use with the usual type of cigarette package. Thus, with each additional fresh package ofcigarettes, the appliance has to be fitted, which is objectionable to the user. Furthermore, these appliances are relatively expensive, which limits the extent of their use. Furthermore, such appliances undesirably increase the bulk and weight of a package of cigarettes. Furthermore, such appliances are likely to damage the package of cigarettes when they are being applied to the' package, unless the user has acquired an unusual proficiency in such application.

The present invention proceeds on an entirely different principle than that of the extraneous appliances. In the present invention, the closure means for the opening at the end of the usual package of cigarettes is made integral with the package, forming a captive part of the same when it is sold in trade. Further, the present invention provides, as a part more or less integral with said closure means, means which increase the rigidity of the cigarette package to the point that it no longer can readily be bent or broken, thus preserving the cigarettes in their original shape.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a package of cigarettes embodying the present invention. The package is of the size and shape of the usual package of cigarettes; in fact, thereis substantially no difference in appearance between the package illustrated in Fig. 1 and the usual package of cigarettes, except as pointed out hereinafter.

The package as illustrated in Fig. 1 is in condition for sale. It includes an outer Cellophane or like transparent moisture-proof covering wrapper indicated by numeral I, an inner usually relatively light paper wrapper 2, which carries the printed descriptions, 'etc., and which will hereinafter be referred to as the labeLwrapper, and the customary internal revenuestamp 3. The label wrapper 2 is preferably of a type which is folded over both the top and the bottom of the package. The label wrapper 2 carries a line of perforations 5|], for purposes to be explained hereinafter, across one of the top corners of the package, and extending downwardly into the front and back of the package. A short slit 5| at the beginning of the perforation line 50 facilitates the starting of a tear along said perforation line. When Cellophane wrapper I is removed and the portion of the label wrapper 2 defined by the perforation line 50 is torn away from the package, in opening it, the package appears as in Fig. 2, and there are now disclosed the cigarettes 5 and the edges of a combined closure and reinforcing wrapping or container element indicated by numeral 4. This combined closure and reinforcing element forms one of the principal features of the present invention and will be described ingreater detail hereinafter.

In the package illustrated in Fig. 1, the paperbacked metal foil heretofore used in the usual type of cigarette package has been dispensed with, because its function of making the package relatively rigid is taken over by the element 4, while the Cellophane wrapper I and label wrapper 2 provide suitable moisture-proof characteristics for the package. It has been found that the paper-backed foil layer may readily be dispensed with in packages embodying certain forms of the'present invention. However, for additional rigidity, and additional moisture-proofness, it may sometimes be advisable to use the customary layer of paper-backed foil, as will be pointed out in greater detail hereinafter.

Numeral 6 indicates a closure device, which comprises part of the element 4. The closure 6,

- which is captive within the package, is found in satisfactory degree of rigidity to the finished package. Suitable stocks, I have found, include the so-called folder stock, which is about 0.008" thick, card stock, which is about 0.009" thick, tag stock, which is about 0.014 thick, and the so-called red rope folder stock, which is considerably thicker than any of the foregoing.

Returning to Fig. 4, it will be seen that the element 4 comprises a number of regions secured together along fold lines. Such fold lines, prior to their first bending, usually comprise score lines impressed into the stiff stock. The regions include front and back rectangular portions indicated by numerals 8, a narrower intermediate side rectangular portion indicated by numerals 9, and a pair of shorter side portions I which are adapted to be pasted or otherwise secured in faceto-face relationship, in order to make a rectangular box-like object (see Fig.

In the portions of the upper edges of the front and back portions 8 respectively nearest the intermediate side portion 9 there are preferably, although not necessarily, provided notches H, for purposes hereinafter to be made clear.

It will be noted that the side portions l0 do not extend all the way to the top of the front and back portions 8. Instead, the stock is so relieved by cuts l2 and 13 to form small rectangular panels l4, hereinafter referred to as wings, the lower corners of which are preferably rounded. The cuts l3, which form in effect continuations of the fold lines joining the front and back portions 8 to the side portions l0, terminate just short of the top edges of front and back portions 8, leaving relatively short fold lines l5 joining the wings M to the front and back portions 8. Joined to the top edges of wings M by fold lines l6 (which form, in effect, continuations of the top edges of front and back portions 8 and intermediate side portion 9 are top panel portions H, which are rectangular, being as long as the wings I4 (preferably a little over one-half the width of the front and back portions 8) and as wide as the width of the intermediate side portion 9. Either one or. the other of the top portions H, or both, is preferably provided at its outer edge with a foldable pull-tab l8.

Numerals l9 indicate cuts along the inner ends of fold lines l6 which extend into the material a distance about equal to the length of one of the'fold lines l5. Joining the ends of the respective cuts l9 and cuts l3, across the faces of wings l4, are perforation lines 20, making the material of the wings I4 easily breakable along these lines.

In assembling this embodiment (see also Fig. 5), a rectangular box is first made by pasting side portions ID in face-to-face relationship. The wing portions M are then doubled back along their respective fold lines l5 into a position overlying the front and back portions 8, respectively, and the two top panels I! are then folded down upon one another along fold lines 16 and pasted together, also in face-to-face relationship. .This brings the pull-tab l8 into position just above notches ll. 7

The reinforcing stiff stock element 4 as thus assembled is a relatively rigid box-like assembly, all parts of which are securely held together. The closure element 6, as will appear more fully hereinafter, comprises the wings l4, top panels I I, and pull tab 18.

Following asclosely as possible to the usua routine of packaging cigarettes, as "practiced -ia m l,o ose therefrom.g,Nor .need it be applied spefizificalmost localities, the label wrapper 2 is next applied around the stifi stock box, and the top edges the cigarettes are in the package, the bottom thereof foldeddown and pasted to form the top of the cigarette package, but leaving the bottom edges of the label wrapper open. The package is then passed under a suitable delivery device, which inserts the bundle of cigarettes into the 5 package through the open bottom. Itwill be noted that there is no bottom to the stiff stock element, and it therefore offers no obstruction to this mannerof packaging cigarettes. After edges of the label wrapper 2 are folded into position and glued, thereby closing the package. The label wrapper 2, it will be understood, is positioned outside the wings M of the stiff stock element.

Next, the internal revenue stamp is pasted across the bottom of the package. The bottom is preferred to the top, as the stamp 3 there does not interfere with the normal opening of the package. When the stamp is thus positioned at 20 the bottom of the package, where it is not torn in the ordinary method of opening the package, it should be pro-cancelled. The stamp may, however, be positioned on the .top of the package in the more usual manner.

Finally, the Cellophane wrapper I is applied to the package in order to bring it to finished, saleable form.

The finished package, as has been indicated, is illustrated in Fig. 1. To open this package, the 80 Cellophane wrapper l is first removed, or at least that portion of it overlying the region within the perforation line 50. Then the portion of the label wrapper 2 within the perforation line 50 is torn off, thus disclosing the cigarettes 5 and the tab N3 of closure 6, which is in open position (see Fig. 2). One or more cigarettes may now be removed from the package through the opening thus provided. The notches II are a distinct aid at this point (removing the first few cigarettes from the package) as they permit a. ready grasp of the sides of the cigarettes, instead of merely the top edge, as is the case in the use of presentday cigarette packages in general use.

The closure 6 may now be operated to close' the opened package by grasping the pull-tab I 8 and pulling the entire closure forwardly over the opening in the package. The first time this is done, the wings M are torn free of the front and back portions 8along perforation lines 20. This tearing is easily accomplished because of the mechanical advantage gained by reason of the angular, or sloping disposition of said perforationlines 20, with respect to the direction of the applied tearing force. The closure 6, now free of the remainder of the reinforcing element, slides freely back and forth on the upper edges of front and back portions 8, fold lines It acting more or .less as guides. Wings l4 are confined flatwise between the front andback portions 8 and the label wrapper 2. The stiff stock element 4 in the package provides the package with greater rigidity than is encountered in the usual type of package provided with a paper-backed foil wrapping, and it has been found that such stiff stock may be prepared in the manner described at a cost usually somewhat less than the cost of the paper-backed foil wrapping.

The closure 6, it will be noted, is captivgwithin the cigarette package, and is not likely to come ly to everypaokage of cigarettes when the user purchases cigarettes, for one of such closures is Package, instead of both the top and bottom as provided in every package of cigarettes as a part of the package.

If it is desired to use paper-backed foil in addition to the stiff stock element, the label wrapper, and the Cellophane" wrapper, it may be done, preferably by wrapping a paper-backed foil wrapper on the stiff stock 4 before the application of the label wrapper 2. This is usually, and most preferably done by folding the ends of the paperbacked foil over the top of the package before the application of the label wrapper 2.

In the course of packaging, the perforation lines 20 are quite important. They hold the wings H in the planes of the front and back 8, and hold the closure 6 shut during the packaging process. This is important since, in automatic packaging operations, these stiff stock elements are pushed on mandrels in the packaging machine at a rate up to about thirty-six every minute, and therefore loose and flapping wings are diificult to handle.

With the package provided with a label wrapper folded over and secured at both ends of the package in the manner heretofore described, a person not desiring to use the closure element 6 may merely tear away the wrapper on one side at the bottom of the package, thus disclosing the cigarettes as in the usual package.

The Cellophane wrapper for this embodiment is preferably placed so that the openin flaps are over the bottom of the package, as shown in Fig. 6, so that those who for some reason wish to keep the Cellophane on the package while using it may leave it on and open the bottom, as indicated in the paragraph immediately preceding.

In one variation of the package as thus described, the cuts 19 are dispensed with and the lines of perforations 20 are superimposed on the ,fold lines l5. This means that somewhat more force is needed to free the closure from the reinforcing element the first time the package is closed, but a completely operative embodiment is nevertheless thus provided.

In another variation, the shorter side portions. It! may be omitted altogether, but at the tions I 8 ay be omitted altogether, but at the sacrifice of some of the rigidity of the package. It is to be understood that the label wrapper may be of such a type that it is folded over and secured only to the top or to the bottom of the described, but in this event it is advisable to use the metal foil wrapper in the package, and to fold it in such a manner that it closes at least the end of the package not closed by the label wrapper.

Figures '7, 8, and 9 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which the closure 6 (Fig. 8)

is initially entifily separate from the reinforcing container element 4 (Fig. 9). The closure 6 of this embodiment has the customary rectangular portion I'I, connected on each of its two sides by fold lines IE to wing positions I l. The usual pull tab I8 is provided on a front edge of the portion H. In assembly, the fold lines l6 receive the top edges of the front and back panels 8 of the container element, and guide the back-and-forth sliding of the closure 6 there- In this embodiment, the notches l I, perforation line and certain other features of the preferred embodiment have been omitted for simplicity, although they can of course be used. A feature of the container element of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, is the provision of a small rectangular top panel 6|, secured by a fold line to the top of the intermediate side panel 9. This panel 6|, in the completed package, affords a measure of reinforcement to the top of the package, particularly if the package is made up or assembled with the closure 6 initially covering the portion of the top of the package left uncovered by said panel 6|.

Still another feature of the Fig. 9 embodiment is that the side panel 62, which corresponds to the two portions It! in the Fig. 4 embodiment, extends from top to bottom of the package, and is provided with a folded pasting tab 63 to secure it to the free edge of the opposite panel 8.

In this embodiment, as well as in all other embodiments of the invention, it is desirable that the portion H be greater in length than the maximum length of opening in the package that it is designed to cover. Theexcess length of the portion [7 keeps said portion H from leaving the package too easily when it is in closed position.

The operation of this embodiment is similar to that of the preferred embodiment heretofore described, except that the closure 8 need not be torn free from the reinforcing element for its initial closing.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a variation of the Fig. '7 embodiment of the invention. Fig. 11 is a development of the closure member 6, and it will be seen that this is a substantial duplicate of the closure member shown in Fig.8,

'except thata tab I8 is provided at each end of the cover portion H. The body reinforcing element, shown in Fig. 12, comprises a front 8 and a back 8, and a single intermediate side portion 9. No top portion BI is provided in this embodiment. However, the body reinforcing element of Fig. 9 may likewise be used, giving greater rigidity to the package, if the cover portion 6| is omitted.

In the completed package of the present embodiment, the closure means 6 slides on the upper edges of the front 8 and back 8 of the body reinforcing element, under the internal revenue stamp 3. The wings I! are again positioned between the front or back 8 and the label wrapper 2, although in this embodiment it is preferable to usea paper-backed foil wrapping in addition to the other wrapping elements. A particular ably in either the Fig. '7 or the Fig. l0 embodiments of the invention. The closure element of Fig. 13 distinguishes from the closure element of Fig. 11 in that cuts 15 relieve tabs 16 from the central portion of wings 'M. Fig. 14 indicates, in a somewhat diagrammatic crosssection, the manner in which the closure element of Fig. 13 is assembled in the package. The tab 16 and the. wings M are both bent in the same direction, but the front or back 8, as the case may be, is positioned between the tab 76 and the wing M. In its final position, then. the tab 16 slides between thefront or back 8 and the label wrapper 2, while the wing I4 slides inside the front or back 8. This positioning of the front or back 8 between two wings has a tendency to guide the sliding action of the closure element,

and in addition has a tendency to make the finished package more rigid.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in carrying" out the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In a package, a combined box-like reinforcing and closure element made from stiff stock, and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said closure element normally sliding along the top edges of said reinforcing element but being initially secured to said reinforcing element in relatively rigid assembly by at least one tearable portion.

2. In a package, a combined box-like reinforcing and closure element made from stiff stock, and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said closure element normally sliding along the top edges of said reinforcing element to cover and uncover an opening through which articles may be removed from the package, said closure element, however, being initially secured to said reinforcing element in relatively rigid assembly by at least one tearable portion.

3. In a package, a combined box-like reinforcing and closure element made from stiff stock, and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said closure element normally sliding along the top edges of said reinforcing element to cover and uncover "an opening through which articles may be removed from the package, said closure element, however, being initially secured to said reinforcing element in relatively rigid assembly by at least one tearable portion, and a lme of perforations in said surrounding layer of material overlying said opening.

4. In a package, a combined box-like reinforcing and closure element made from stiff stock;

- and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said closure element normally sliding along the top edges of said reinforcing element to cover and uncover an opening through which articles maybe removed from the package, said closure element, however, being initially secured to said reinforcing element in relatively rigid assembly by at least one tearable portion, said closure element having wings slidably disposed between said reinforcing element and said surrounding layer of material.

5. In a package, a combined box-like reinforcing and closure element made from stiff stock, and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said closure element normally sliding along the top edges of said reinforcing element but being initially secured to said reinforcing element in relatively rigid assembly by at least one tearable portion; said tearable portion comprising a line of perforations disposed at an angle to the direction ing and closure element made from stiff stock,

and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said combined reinforcing and closure element in its developed position comprising a front, a back, and an intermediate side portion hinged together, a wing portion secured by a relatively small, tearable region to the upper cornersof each of said front and back portions, and a top portion hinged to the upper edge of at least one of saidwing portions, said combined element being assembled in such manner that the opposite edge of said top portion is secured to the other wing portion along the top thereof to form a unitary closure, with the two wings overlying the outer, upper edges of the front and back portions.

7. In a package, a combined box-like reinforcing and closure-element made from stiff stock, and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said combined reinforcing and closure element in its developed position comprising a front, a back, and an intermediate side portion hinged together, a wing portion secured by a relatively small, tearable region to the upper corners of each of said front and back portions, and a top portion hinged to the upper edge of at least one of said wing portions, said combined element being assembled in such manner that the opposite edge of said top portion is secured to the other wingportion along the top thereof to form a unitary closure, with the two wings overlying the outer, upper edges of the front and back portions, with the tearable portions nevertheless holding the closure in rigid assembly with the front and back portions, said tearable portions being severable,

however, to permit the closure to slide back and forth along the top edges of the front and back portions. I 8. In a package, a combined box-like reinforcing and. closure element made from stiff stock, and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure element, said combined reinforcing and closure element in its developed position comprising a front, a back, and an intermediate side portion hinged together, a wing portion secured by a relatively small, tearable region to the upper corners of each of said front and back portions, and a top portion hinged to the upper edge of at least one of said wing portions, said combined element being assembled in such manner that the opposite edge of said top portion is secured to the other wing portion along the top thereof to form a unitary closure, with the two wings overlying the outer, upper edges of the front and back portions, with the tearable portions nevertheless holding the closure in rigid assembly with the front and back portions, said tearable portions being severable, however, to permit the closure to slide back and forth along the top edges of the front and back 11. In a package, a reinforcing element made from stiff stock, said reinforcing element providing parallel edges disposed along opposite sides said reinforcing and closure elements and holding said wings flush to the said opposite sides of the package.

12. In a package of cigarettes, a box-like reinforcing element made from stifi stock, said element providing parallel edges across the top front and top back edges of the package, a closure for the package comprising a rectangular panel of stiff stock having wings folded downwardly from each side thereof, said edges being respectively received in the said folds, and a label wrapper for the package surrounding the reinforcing element and holding said wings flush against said front and back, said closure being slidable back and forth to open and close an opening made in one end of the top of the package to permit the withdrawal of cigarettes therefrom.

thereof, a reinforcing element made from stiff stock, said reinforcing element providing parallel edges disposed along opposite sides of the top of the package, a closure for the opening in said package comprising a panel slidable on said edges, said panel having at least one wing-hinged to a side thereof and extending downwardly along a side of the package, at least one of said edges being received in a hinge of the closure whereby said closure is slidable back and forth on said edges, and at least one layer of material surrounding said reinforcing and closure elements and holding said wing flush to the said side of the package.

- CARROLL L. WILSON.

13. In a package having an opening in the top 

